If We Only Knew Then What We Know Now
By Nicole Rodriguez-Gasperov
By all accounts 49-year old Kori Clausen is living the California dream. Just steps from the sand with her four beautiful daughters 11 to 17 years old. Kori is a bright light, very calming but energetic all at the same time. Attributes from her 9-years of teaching Yoga. That quiet strength and positivity hasn't been challenged more than over the past 5 years.
On August 8, 2014 her 44-year old husband Clint died from a heart attack. They were at a family reunion in South Carolina.
“This would be the first time we had all been together in six years. The date he passed, fortunately, was the last night of an amazing vacation that all the girls still talk about to this day.”
Kori has since made it her mission to spread awareness and the importance of getting a simple heart screening, tests that could have saved Clint’s life.
“Of course no one can predict when their time has come, but looking back there were signs that we didn’t pay attention to. It was like we were given small hints over the years.”
In honor of Clint, his four daughters and his love for volleyball the 4DFours Volleyball Tournament was brought to life.
Kori teamed-up with Providence Little Company of Mary to offer heart screenings that are worth $1500 and up,
“The only thing difficult about the heart screening is the the time it will take, which is about two hours.
But guaranteed you will leave with more knowledge and a sense of relief with your next steps, if needed.”
Clint’s diagnosis was severe coronary artery atherosclerosis, two arteries were 90% blocked. That coupled with enlargement or thickening of the heart muscle. “Clint and I had always planned that when we turned 40 we would go and do whatever testing needed to be done, heart screening being one of them. We met when we were 27 so that seemed like a long time. But as it creeped up on us, we never even thought about it. There was no way either of us was going to have a heart attack in our early 40’s”
Kori explains proudly, that since the launch of 4DFours volleyball tournament countless people have taken the time to get heart screenings for themselves and loved ones, including Manhattan Beach resident and surf photographer Ken Pagliaro. He decided to get the screening done after hearing about Clint, and sure enough a red flag went up.
Ken Pagliaro
“The feeling that comes over me every time someone comes up to me after getting a heart screening, is like a wave of happiness passing through me. So maybe it’s selfish on my part. Clint is not here but I know he would be proud.”
Ken Pagliaro’s story will be featured in this months blog. February was Heart Awareness month, please go to 4DFours website, and click on Heart Screening to book your appointment today
Over the past 5 years 4DFours volleyball tournament has donated over $55,000, which has allowed 220 people in underserved communities to have a heart screening.
It is very simple to schedule an appointment at any location.
Call 888-432-5464 to schedule an appointment
Nicole Rodriguez-Gasperov is an Emmy-nominated news reporter whose media talents have taken her across the country. She got her start on the airwaves at UCLA and never looked back, working as an anchor/reporter for ABC, NBC and CBS network affiliates throughout the West Coast. After having her first child, Nicole took a respite from her news career and moved back home to Manhattan Beach, CA to raise a family. Nicole returned to news as a freelance reporter for Fox-11 News in Los Angeles before starting a venture as a travel writer for JohnnyJet.com. Her creative nature has also led her to launch Manhattan Beach Surplus, a locally designed and handcrafted jewelry and handbag line that she co-owns with her good friend.